Whether you are a new hunter or an experienced one, you must know that you need quality optics to have a successful outing. Hunting binoculars come in similar two-barrel designs, but they are all built technically differently.
Magnification power, objective lens, durability, grip, and glass quality differ. Even if both the binoculars have the same power, i.e., 10×42, they are different if you buy from two different brands.
So, what are good binoculars for hunting? This article is going to address this question in detail. Let’s look deeper at the factors that make binoculars good for your hunting choice.
What Are Good Binoculars For Hunting?
It is hard to define the best hunting binoculars because not all hunting games are the same. But the basic idea is that they help you see a clear image quality of the object you’re looking at. They should not be fogged even at a distance of 1000 yards or more.
You don’t have to keep your finger on the focal knob every time the animal moves a bit. Also, your eyes should not feel stressed after a day of use. All this would be possible if you bought the compact hunting binoculars with an investment mindset.
Whenever you read the specifications of binoculars, it is represented by two values with x in the middle.
For example, 10×42 or 12×42. The first number represents the magnification, while the second refers to the objective diameter, usually in millimeters.
What Power Of Binoculars Is Best For Hunting?
What power of binoculars is best for hunting? It depends on many factors. Let’s examine those factors.
- How would you be hunting your desired species? Whether you’d have to crawl to reach near to your focus object or walk around the bushes to find it.
- What’s the area type where you would be hunting? It could be a dense, bushy forest, a plain, vast desert, or a crop field.
- If you are hunting for animal species in the mountains in full daylight, using small and compact binoculars such as roof prism binoculars is best. It is perfect for carrying along on long hikes on cliffs.
- Equipment should be adjusted according to the light for hunting in twilight. 8×56 night hunting binoculars work best. You may also opt for 8×42, as it is universally considered the fit due to its wide field view and good twilight performance.
What Power Binoculars Should You Use For Hunting?
For your convenience, I have selected two of the best hunting binoculars that are universally considered useful for all types of hunting. Let’s get into the details.
8×42 Binoculars
As 8×42 shows, binoculars with 8×42 power will produce an image quality that is eight times magnified. The second value after x shows the objective diameter, which will produce a sharp, clear picture of the object in the focus wheel.
Some hunters keep only one binocular for all types of hunting gear, including daylight and twilight.
The 8×42 binoculars outperform others in low light performance, providing a wider field of view and producing clearer images. Additionally, they have excellent light-gathering capability.
If you hunt mostly in woodland and bushes, 8×42 is for you!
10×42 Binoculars
10×42 binoculars will produce the image 10x larger or magnified than the original object. The objective diameter remains the same in 10×42 and 8×42 binoculars, so both will produce equally sharper images.
But if you hunt in fields or open areas, you may need to spot animals far away, so you need binoculars with greater magnification to observe their movement easily.
10×42 binoculars work best during daylight or when the sun is shining bright.
Which Are Good Binoculars For Hunting In Dense Environments?
If you plan to start your hunting journey from a dense environment, choosing binoculars with low magnification is recommended. But it should be able to produce a wide image of the view. For example, the image should be clear even at 1000 yards from the focus object.
It is a typical false belief that the higher the magnification or heavier the hunting binocular, the more precise the image will be. This might be true, but not in all circumstances. In densely forested areas, the binoculars won’t be able to gather enough light to produce a bright, clear image.
So, choosing 8×42 will be wise if you want to hunt in a dense, bushy forest.
Which are good binoculars for hunting in wide spaces or Forests?
If you are hunting in a wide open space, such as an open field or desert area, a high-magnification binocular will be more beneficial than one with low magnification. Binoculars with 10×42 or higher power ranges are suitable for this type of hunting.
Because in open fields, you will need a larger image with a smaller field view, so buying 10×42 or 10×50 will be a great option.
Open fields require producing images from a more considerable distance, so high-magnification binoculars are helpful.
Also, remember to mount your heavy binoculars on a tripod stand instead of trying to hold them with free hands. Desert or field hunting requires hours of waiting, so your grip can loosen if you try to handle binoculars using only your hands.
5 Tips To Choose Good Binoculars For Hunting
1) Check And Test Many Binoculars
Tip#1 is to prioritize checking and testing binoculars as many as possible before purchasing. This is because not all binoculars are built similarly, even with the same magnification and objective lens power.
2) Focal Knob
Focal knob also plays a significant role in maintaining and changing the focus. A few binoculars have a focal knob that is difficult to rotate, hence making it delay for you to focus on the object.
Make sure the binoculars you are trying to buy have a quality focal knob that is easy to adjust.
3) Weight And Balance
Usually, binoculars with 8×42 power weigh around 700 g and are 6 inches long. You should prefer binoculars with an average weight and that are balanced. This is important because you will be carrying binoculars on all your hunting games.
Do not prefer the lighter binoculars. A few lightweight binoculars have low-quality glass that may cause the image to blur.
4) Eye Strain
It is crucial that your eyes don’t get tired when you use your binoculars, even for hours. If your binoculars are of quality glass, your eyes won’t get strained after its use. But you must be willing to spend a little more than your budget on binoculars. When hunting in an open area, you must be sure your eyes won’t get stressed when you see through them for hours.
5) Harness Quality
Ensure the harness has an adjustable strap to adjust it according to your moving position (for hunting). Additionally, it should not interfere with your movement.
It should be secure enough to keep your binoculars in place and save them from getting damaged, especially while crawling in the forest or desert for a long time.
You can also buy a binocular harness compatible with your bow-hunting pack.
If you carry little accessories other than binoculars that you need promptly, ensure the harness contains extra compartments or pockets for storing them.
Good Binoculars For Hunting: Our Recommendation
1) Bushnell 8×42 Binoculars
It is the perfect blend of magnification and field of view, allowing you to see animals’ movements closely. If you are looking for great-quality binoculars within your budget, this is a great option.
2) Legend 10×42 Binoculars
These binoculars from Bushnell come with a great grip and are light in weight. This multi-coated optic comes with a multi-coated external and great-quality glass. If you want to buy 10×42 binoculars within budget, this is a good option!
That’s A Wrap!
This article covers ‘what are good binoculars for hunting’ in detail. What factors determine your choice of binoculars? What power binoculars should you use for hunting? What power binoculars are good for use in dense and wide-area environments?
Additionally, I have mentioned 5 tips for choosing good binoculars for hunting and added recommended binoculars at the end. You can check them and buy if they fit your needs.
Do you have more questions about what makes good binoculars for hunting? Please refer to the frequently asked questions below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Power Of Binoculars Is Best For Hunting?
8×42 or 10×42 can be the very best binoculars based on your hunting needs.
Which Is Better 12×50 Or 12×42 Binoculars?
Due to its versatility, 10×42 is the most popular and widely used hunting binos. It is suitable for most species hunts, while 12×42 is only good for a few species hunts. So, considering 10×42 over 12×42 would be a wise decision.
How do I choose Binoculars?
To choose the right size binoculars for your type of hunting, you should consider many factors, including magnification power, objective lens, field of view, optical performance, weight and balance, eye strain, and gripping.
